A proper landscape redesign requires thorough and detailed planning. That once meant pencils, rulers and crude sketches on graph paper. Today, it means a few keystrokes for making three-dimensional images and even professional architectural blueprints. Landscaping software allows homeowners to upload measurements and images of their property. The program helps them add plants, patios, walkways, water features and more. They can start to envision their redesign before ever visiting a nursery or calling a landscaper.

The programs may have a steep learning curve, but a few minutes spent with a video tutorial will pay off in easy, fun designing. Of course, as with all software, you get what you pay for. Here are the three basic levels of landscape software programs.